Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
What is the process for relocating a duty-suspended warehouse or distillery and how does HMRC handle the change of location?
The relocation process for duty-suspended facilities varies significantly depending on your HMRC officer and circumstances. There is no strict "one size fits all" procedure. **Process variation:** - Some moves are straightforward with supportive HMRC officers requiring only a couple of forms to be filled in or, for quick relocations within a short timeframe, potentially just an email notification with a site plan - Other relocations trigger a full review where HMRC may treat the move as almost a new application, conducting complete inspections, full scrutiny of production processes, and detailed questioning - Expect extended timelines: previous relocations have involved multiple zoom calls (especially during Covid) and in-depth discussions about technical production details (e.g. heads and tails procedures, aging requirements) **Key variables affecting difficulty:** - **The HMRC officer assigned** — described as "luck of the draw." Some are supportive and expedite the process; others are more stringent and demanding - **Timing of the move** — moving again shortly after a recent relocation may result in a simpler notification-only process rather than full re-inspection - **Novelty of the location** — being the first operation of its kind in a new area (e.g. first distillery in a specific neighbourhood) can introduce additional logistical and approval complexity **Recommended approach:** - Prepare detailed documentation of your production processes and be ready to explain technical aspects thoroughly - Proactively communicate with your HMRC contact officer early in the planning stage - If your previous relocation was recent, reference this when requesting a streamlined process **Caveat:** Members stressed the unpredictability of the process and recommended against frequent relocations, citing multiple moves as a significant operational burden even beyond the HMRC approval stage.
Can a spirits rectifier transfer an existing excise license to new premises, or must they apply for a new license?
You can transfer an existing excise license to new premises rather than applying for a completely new one. The process involves contacting the HMRC National Registrations Unit with your new premises details and submitting updated documentation (including new floor plans and equipment entry of plant specifications). However, members note that the exact requirements may vary depending on your local HMRC officer—one member experienced a situation where a new license was required instead of a transfer. Start by emailing the National Registrations Unit and referencing HMRC Excise Notice 39 (Spirits Production in the UK), which contains the formal guidance. The process typically takes some time, so factor this into your relocation timeline.
What do I need to do with my WOWGR licence when relocating my drinks business to a different location?
You must update your WOWGR (Wholesale of Alcohol and Online Sales) registration **before** you move premises. This is a critical step that cannot be done after relocation — plan the WOWGR amendment as part of your relocation timeline to avoid any compliance gaps or suspension of your ability to operate.